The Washington Nationals are reportedly quite interested in adding prized free agent slugger, Prince Fielder, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. For the first part of free agency, the attention seemed to be on the Nationals' interest in acquiring starting pitching. The Nats signed veteran right hander Chien-Ming Wang, and then pursued both Mark Buerhle and Roy Oswalt as well.
The focus then turned to Cuban sensation Yoenis Cespedes, a 26-year old center fielder who would add pop to the lineup and athleticism to the outfield. According to Rosenthal, Cespedes may still be targeted by Washington, but only if negotiations with Fielder don't materialize.
Talks with Fielder hit a significant roadblock on Monday, one source said, prompting the Nats to revisit Cespedes as an alternative.
Cespedes, 26, is not yet on the open market; he first must establish temporary residence in the Dominican Republic, a development that is expected any day now.
Fielder, 27, is the Nationals’ primary target, at least among offensive players, sources said. The Nats also are pursuing high-end starting pitchers, including free agents C.J. Wilson, Mark Buehrle and Roy Oswalt.
For more on the Nationals dynamic free agency hunt, visit Federal Baseball.